Since the beginning, Art of Tea has been rooted in Ayurvedic practices and each herb, root, and botanical that we choose to blend into our teas has a purpose. Some ingredients are there strictly for flavor or aesthetics while others contribute to supposed health benefits, too. (We can’t promise that drinking our tea will make you immortal, but many of the botanical ingredients we used are believed to have health benefits.) As the importance of wellness and immunity continues to surround us we have been doing our research on how we at Art of Tea can continue to support our communiTEA through this time of unknowing.

Tea and Wellness

Drinking tea is has been proven to have a positive effect on your overall wellness. A 2013 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated: “tea consumption has acute benefits on both mood and performance.” In times of uncertainty, tea has the opportunity to be your best companion.

Chinese Herbs and Wellness

According to this study, based on historical records, and human evidence of SARS and H1N1 influenza prevention, some Chinese herbs have the potential to be an alternative approach for the prevention of COVID-19 (Corona Virus) in a high-risk population. The principles of Chinese Medicine that were primarily focused on in this study were those that involved “herbs to tone the qi as well as to protect from external pathogens, disperse wind, discharge heat, and resolve dampness” (see more https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32065348). One of the frequently used herbs included Radix glycyrrhizae (Gancao) also known as Licorice Root. 

Studies on Licorice Root

Now, let’s not confuse the pure healing Licorice Root with licorice candy. In Herbalism, Licorice Root is known for being a demulcent and an expectorant. This means that Licorice Root can be taken to protect against tissue inflammation as well as help to get rid of the mucus that may be lodged in your lungs and throat. Licorice Root is also known for its anti-viral effects. It is important to note that Licorice Roots’ effects are not limited to the respiratory system but also can be gut soothing, liver cleansing, and aide in stress reduction.  

According to this study, “The triterpenoids of licorice has the potential to become a novel broad-spectrum antiviral medicine”. While there is plenty of research that still needs to be done to determine the exact effects and benefits of Licorice Root, it is exciting to see published studies correlated to our current situation.

Art of Tea Blends with Licorice Root

The hope now is that rigorous population studies will be conducted to confirm the potential preventive effect of Chinese Medicine. But for now, Art of Tea is excited to offer multiple blends that contain Licorice Root as a starting point:

• Feel Better – Organic Green Rooibos, Organic Fennel, Organic Linden Flower, Organic Orange Peel, Organic Raspberries, Organic Licorice Root, Organic Neem, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Elderberries, Organic Echinacea, Organic Chili Pepper
• Chill – Organic Valerian Root, Organic Fennel, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Lemon Myrtle, Organic Licorice Root, Organic Vetiver Root
• Soothe – Organic Peppermint, Organic Chamomile, Organic Lemon Balm, Organic Fennel, Organic Licorice Root
• Blueberry Pomegranate – Organic White Tea, Organic Dried Blueberries, Organic Licorice Root, Organic Cornflowers, Natural Flavors

For more information regarding how Art of Tea is taking action as COVID-19/Corona Virus is evolving, per recommendations from the CDC and state please see our Knowledge Base. 

**Please note that the information in this post is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a licensed health practitioner.

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